Garden Club celebrates season with holiday tours in Youngstown

By Terry Duffy

Editor-in-Chief

The Youngstown Garden Club is making magic again, with its 2025 holiday tours set to open next month at the historic Ontario House in the heart of Youngstown.

“All over the country, garden clubs gather in December to decorate historic buildings for the holidays,” said Colleen Mary Johnson Summerville, who serves as vice president of the Youngstown Garden Club. She invites visitors to enjoy the club’s annual holiday experience.

An exclusive preview will take place from 5-9 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Dec. 11-12, at the Ontario House, aka the “Stone Jug,” at 358 Main St. There, visitors can enjoy a holiday cocktail and experience the wonders of this 1840-era landmark at this reservation-only event. For more information, call 716-531-6701.

“On two ‘preview nights’ the guests, by reservation only, will be the first to search for ‘Santa’s Secrets.’ They will also experience a ‘surprise special’ attraction and receive a holiday cocktail to toast the season,” Summerville said. “This event has become a favorite date night or girls night in Youngstown to start off festivities.”

For 2025, there will be all-new decorations found on the main floor of the iconic building. The stone porches, the old dining rooms, hallways and even the restrooms will be decked out in festive greens and seasonal glory – each room featuring an imaginative theme.

“As guests wander through the ‘Winter Woods’ to the ‘Holiday Music Hall,’ they will not just see a decorated restaurant, Summerville said.

“Santa’s Secrets” is “an activity for all ages. Visitors admiring the Christmas trees, the ornaments and displays may search and find a unique message, just for them … from Santa!” Summerville said.

“On Saturday, Dec. 13, as Youngstown celebrates ‘Christmas in the Village,” holiday tours ‘25 opens free to the public,” she said. “Garden Club members will be on hand to host visitors from across the area as they explore the rooms. Everyone is welcome to come for an evening or an afternoon. Tour the rooms, stay for supper, have a drink at the bar.”

Holiday tours run right up until Christmas Eve. Proceeds will go to assist the Garden Club with its many projects in northern Niagara County, including the beautification of community gardens, education programs, and a $1,000 annual scholarship to a high school senior.

“It truly is another worthy cause,” Summerville said.

“This project is a gift to the community from the Youngstown Garden Club, with a wish for a joyful holiday season.”